Valdes is a win-win pick

There is an underdog in the William S. Hart Union High School District board race. You don't see nearly as much press for Linda Valdes as you do for the other candidates, but I truly hope they don't underestimate the impact Linda has had on Santa Clarita.

When you speak with Linda Valdes, you see she is one of the most transparent and real people you will ever know. She has been a teacher for more than 12 years. Parents, teachers, business owners and voters know her. Friends in Castaic know her too. She chaired the Measure SA committee. That's not to take away from other candidates who helped, because a couple did.

But it was Valdes who chaired the campaign. She met with many Castaic parents who opposed it and feared it would be another 10 years of increased taxes without a school. It was Linda who stepped up to chair the Measure SA committee, and to do something that should have been done years before. Linda faced anger, disbelief, frustration and disappointment from Castaic residents. She was steadfast in the conviction that their school would and will be built.

By taking action, she made it clear that it's not acceptable for another 10 years to pass without the students in Castaic having their own high school. Measure SA passed with overwhelming voter support. Underdogs fight the good fight and take action. That's character! Linda Valdes is fighting the good fight, honestly and with integrity. Linda is knocking on doors, speaking with people (often in Spanish) and listening to concerns. I encourage voters to call Linda or e-mail her and ask her questions. She will answer you and listen to what you have to say.

Linda Valdes might be the underdog in this campaign, but in this case when the underdog wins we all win!